Geschichte der Singer-Nähmaschinen: Entwicklung einer Dynastie

Are you curious about the history of the Singer sewing machines? Read on! If you are deciding between Singer sewing machines, read our detailed post on the Best Singer Sewing Machines here

History of Singer Sewing Machines – Early days

According to Wikipedia and the official Singer website, Singer Corporation is an American manufacturer of consumer sewing machines, first established as I. M. Singer & Co. in 1851 by Isaac M. Singer and New York lawyer Edward C. Clark. Best known for its sewing machines, it was renamed the Singer Manufacturing Company in 1865, then the Singer Company in 1963. It is based in La Vergne, Tennessee, near Nashville. Its first large factory for mass production was built in 1863 in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Not long after Isaac Singer and his partner, Edward Clark, started the Singer Nähmaschine Company in 1851, they were outselling every other sewing machine manufacturer in the world. The duo had set out to produce a line of sewing machines that were not only affordable, but durable; and that is exactly what they did. Singer sewing machines that were made more than 100 years ago are still being used in countless homes around the world.
Over time, however, the changes and modifications to the popular Singer machines of days gone by have affected their outstanding record for durability. While Singer sewing machines are still quite affordable, there is little likelihood that the Singers coming of the assembly line today will be around in 2099. While the dawning of electronics, computer chips and the like have made the likelihood of any sewing machine being around that long, Singer sewing machines appear to be particularly vulnerable when it comes to standing the test of time.

History of Singer sewing machines – Growing Pains

Through the 1960s and 70s, Singer Nähmaschinen were the most popular, most widely requested sewing machines on the market. In the 1980s, however, Singer switched from all metal components to a new lightweight material called Duratec.

This reviewer purchased one of those new Singers and was disappointed with the machine’s performance almost from the very first day. In defense of the Duratec by Singer, the machine was lightweight, easy to transport, and easy to operate. It had a drop-in bobbin and approximately a dozen decorative stitches, which were accessible with the mere twist of a knob. However, the quality that Singer was known for simply wasn’t there. In addition, the machine, Duratec proved to be completely incapable of standing up to long hours of intense sewing — even with plain cotton fabric. After about five or six years, it got so bad, the pressure between the presser foot and feed dogs was almost nonexistent when I was working with very lightweight fabrics.
When sewing at very high speeds, the fly wheel literally flew off and had to be snapped back into place. I finally had enough and sold the disappointing machine at a yard sale.

History of Singer sewing machines Back on Course

The folks at Singer obviously learned from their mistake. In the years since that disaster, the manufacturer redeemed itself many times over. The Singer 1725 remains one of the best machines for teaching anyone who can sit down and reach the foot pedal the art of sewing. Teaching someone how to use this particular machine is just as enjoyable as using it.

The newer mechanisch and electronic Singer sewing machines are far more reliable. Even the new latest incarnation of the extremely popular Singer Featherweight seems to be one of Home Shopping Network’s fastest movers. But the newer models will never be as dependable as the original Featherweight 221. I reviewed one of those dynamos a little while back. It was handed down from the owner’s grandmother who had, herself, inherited the machine from her best friend. Even the non-electric Singer 66 treadle sewing machine continues to score high marks for stitch quality, endurance and durability.
Given the fantastic history of Singer sewing machines, it is indeed unfortunate that newer models are not going to be able to earn the same accolades and respect as their predecessors. It is not our intention to dissuade anyone from looking at and purchasing any of the machines produced by Singer in the 21st Century.

Looking at the Big Picture

The Singer sewing machines of today are very good, affordable machines that fit nearly every budget and sewing need. I do, however, have a concern about the Singer’s ability to withstand prolonged use without showing signs of fatigue. When we take that one factor into consideration, it is almost inevitable that today’s Singer sewing machines are no match for more expensive sewing machines like Pfaff, Baby Lock, or Bernina. All of the basic sewing machines offered by these and many other brands cost about twice as much as a basic Singer sewing machine.
Let’s face it. Every sewing machine, whether mechanical, electronic, or computerized, has the same basic components and parts. Every Nähmaschine funktioniert beautifully when it is brand new. To be sure, each brand has its own special style and appeal. Each sewing machine brand also has its fair share of loyal customers who will buy one particular brand and that brand only. When comparing brand-new basic sewing machines, it is obvious that the features, stitch quality, and speed are all pretty much identical.
With the possible exception of the number of decorative stitch options, the only real differences between the different brands are very minor. For instance, the presser foot lever on Baby Lock machines is located to the right of the needle housing when just about every other sewing manufacturer places it behind the needle.
Pfaffs Und Berninas have decorative skins which can be personalized by their owners. None of these superfluous features affects the operation of the actual sewing machine.

Some popular Singer Machines

Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Näh- und Quiltmaschine

4.6

Vielseitigkeit, Premium-Funktionen und Präzision zeichnen die Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 aus. Die Nähmaschine punktet mit 600 integrierten Stichen, darunter Stretch-, Zier- und Steppstiche, die Ihren inneren Nähtalent verwöhnen. Außerdem verfügt das Gerät über einen Nadeleinfädler und einen automatischen Fadenabschneider, um Ihnen Zeit zu sparen. Sie werden sogar einen Geschwindigkeitsregler finden, der sowohl für Profis als auch für Anfänger konzipiert ist. Die Maschine überrascht Sie außerdem mit 13 vollautomatischen Knopflöchern und einer großen Auswahl an Nähfüßen, um den Wert zu steigern, sodass Sie verschiedene Projekte nähen können. 

Angebot ansehen Bei Amazon kaufen

Singer 4452 Heavy-Duty Nähmaschine

4.6

Have you been searching for a sewing machine to get your sewing done in no time? Then you must invest in the Singer 4452 Heavy-Duty Sewing Machine. This model offers you a speed of sewing up to 1,100 stitches per minute. Hence, you will not need to think twice before taking on a large project. Then, it has 32 built-in stitches with an automatic needle threader to help you with all your sewing needs. Plus, the sound metal frame has a stainless steel plate that allows you to work on leather as well.

Angebot ansehen Bei Amazon kaufen

Singer 7258 Näh- und Quiltmaschine

4.6

Der Singer Stylist 7258 vereint Funktionalität mit Komfort. Dieses computergesteuerte Nähwunderwerk ist ideal für Enthusiasten vom Anfänger bis zum Fortgeschrittenen und verfügt über 100 integrierte Stiche, was es zu einem vielseitigen Begleiter für verschiedene Projekte macht. Der robuste Metallrahmen sorgt für Langlebigkeit, während Funktionen wie Stichauswahl per Knopfdruck, LCD-Bildschirm und programmierbare Optionen die Arbeit vereinfachen. Mit einer Reihe von Zubehörteilen und einem benutzerfreundlichen Design erfüllt die 7258 die Bedürfnisse kreativer Köpfe und bietet eine effiziente Lösung für Mode-, Quilt- und Heimnäharbeiten.

Angebot ansehen Bei Amazon kaufen

Lesen Sie unsere ausführlichen comparison of the Singer Heavy Duty machines here

The new Singers are lighter in weight and lighter to the touch than most other sewing machines. On the surface, they appear to be identical to their counterparts in every way that counts.
Our concern, however, is how the new Singer sewing machines will perform after long hours of intense operation — and how they will perform after serving for a number of years in a very busy sewing room. I concede that the days of passing a sewing machine from generation to generation are long gone. However, I maintain the belief that when you purchase a sewing machine, you should not be faced with replacing it in ten to twenty years or less, unless you just want to upgrade to a newer model.

Only time will tell if a Singer that leaves the factory today will still be in use twenty years from now. In fact, the same holds true for any other sewing machine or serger that is made today. I believe that Singer is an excellent brand and continue to highly recommend the entire line of Singer sewing machines, embroidery machines, and sergers for use by home sewers at all skill levels.

I do, however, believe that the Singer line is best for people whose sewing needs are not very demanding. On the other hand, however, if you are in the market for a sewing, embroidery, quilting, or serging workhorse, capable of taking on a great deal of work in your very busy sewing room, take your time and shop around a little bit.
You may want to consider investing a little more in a pricier machine that offers the same features to be certain that you will not be looking for another sewing machine in a few short years.

Popular Singer posts on Sewing Insight

Singer 20U Testbericht – Update 2025

Singer Brilliance 6180 Nähmaschine Testbericht im Jahr 2025

Singer Promise 1409 Testbericht – Update 2025